dates cake recipe

How to Make Chinese Red Date Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Chinese red date cake, or *zao ni gao*, is a moist, fragrant dessert loved for its rich sweetness and tender crumb. Here’s a simple recipe to recreate this classic at home.

Ingredients:

- 200g pitted red dates, soaked in warm water for 30 minutes

- 150g all-purpose flour

- 100g softened butter

- 80g granulated sugar

- 2 eggs

- 1 tsp baking powder

- A pinch of salt

Steps:

1. Prepare the date paste: Drain the soaked dates, simmer in 100ml water for 15 minutes until soft. Blend into a smooth paste, then cool.

2. Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.

3. Combine dry ingredients: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold into the butter mixture alternately with the date paste.

4. Bake: Pour batter into a greased 20cm round cake tin. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

5. Cool: Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Serve plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar. The cake keeps well for 3 days in an airtight container. Enjoy its natural sweetness and comforting aroma!